​​​​​​​​COLLEGE STATION – University leaders are finding it easier, in an era of tight state funding, to pull the trigger on student housing and campus development using public-private partnerships.

Park West, on 50 acres of former horse pasture land in College Station is the latest in P3 development, and it highlights the benefits of the system—and why some are against P3s on college campuses.

The Texas-sized $368 million, 3,400-bed project on the campus of Texas A&M University has a slew of amenities: 140 study and communal areas, a game room, three fitness centers, three pools and green space.

Park West, within walking distance of classes and football on George Bush Dr., incorporates units with various price points, from $600 to $1000 per month.

Texas A&M University has used the P3 model almost exclusively in recent years to expand access to student housing.

Other projects have included White Creek Apartments, U Centre at Northgate, Easterwood Airport and Century Square. ​